May typically sees the weather get warmer and sunnier, with the longer days giving us plenty of time to work in the garden. As the soil warms up, we start to see growth from everything, including flowers, herbs, vegetables and weeds. As well as removing all the undesirables, May is the perfect time to sow and plant the plants we do want to enjoy through the summer. 

Indoor Plants to Sow in May

There are plenty of flowers to sow in May, though some may be better served by being sown indoors or in a greenhouse at first. Also bear in mind that there are some flowers that should be planted now for flowering next year. For example, perennials like delphiniums, lupins, aquilegia and primula, plus biennials like foxgloves, dianthus plants and wallflowers can be planted now in seed trays for flowering next year and thereafter.

Leafy greens such as brassica, plus sweetcorn and runner or broad beans, as well as many types of peas, should all be planted in trays or pots during May. Also plant the likes of courgettes, squashes and cucumbers towards the end of May, preferably somewhere with a lot of warmth such as an airing cupboard.

Outdoor Plants to Sow in May

You can sow a lot of flowers and herbs directly in the garden during May. Some excellent options include beetroot and chard seeds, borage and comfrey seeds, which should all be sown under a thin layer of nutrient-rich topsoil. You can also sow broccoli and calabrese directly into the garden, though they might thrive even more if you start them in a nursery bed and transplant them into your vegetable plot later on.

Chive, coriander, dill and parsley can be sown directly into the ground now. Cabbage and Brussels sprouts should also be planted in May, though you will want to cover them with a net to prevent bugs laying their eggs on the leaves. Another one to sow and immediately protect is carrots, whose leaves are also susceptible to certain bugs.

Parsnips and radishes are best planted in May, as well as spinach, cauliflower and turnips, which are also good shouts for late spring planting.

Give Your Vegetables a Boost in May

Getting your vegetables started in May gives you a good chance of harvesting some tasty food for your dinner later in the year. To give your vegetables the best chance of growing strong and healthy, boost the nutrient content of your growing patch with Spent Mushroom Compost which will enrich the natural flavours and colours of the vegetables you plant in May.